Partytown, USA

Wood: Having a party where no one comes is the worst feeling in the world. You want to die. It can be the weather, a competing party, or a shitty venue and a terrible idea. Some things work and some dont. A lot of it is nightlife magic. I said no two or three times to the Park because it didnt seem fresh and I didnt think it would work. My boyfriend thought it would be good. Everyone loves that venue and it seemed like long enough since the last time they were there. But I tried to get a big, monthly Saturday dance party at (le) poisson rouge off the ground and that didnt work. Sometimes a room doesnt have the right spirit. If you go out a lot, you can feel a good room or a bad room once the people are in it.

Me: Has an event ever worked out and then the club itself destroyed it anyway?

Wood: Yes! Kenny Kenny and I threw a party called Sebastian [at the Madison] in 2008. It was like the last days of disco, right before the club went down. The owners used to literally lock themselves in the office at night and pretend they werent there, so they wouldnt have to give us money. Wed be banging on the door early in the morning. At the end, they owed us like $10,000.

Me: Any other horror stories? How awful are disco divas, comics, and other needy performers youve worked with?

Wood: A couple of them were really angry people. When its late in their career, they get anxious about their performance, so they take it out on everyone. Once the downward spiral sets in, theyre horrible!

Me: Yikes. Youve faced some real hideousness in order to create such fun. Still love your job?